In Washington – New DLI Requirement
The department, workers, and providers often receive correspondence from self-insured employers or their third party administrators that doesn’t include the department’s (L&I) claim number. Many self-insured employers assign their own claim number and don’t include the L&I claim number on correspondence about the claim.
Failure to include the L&I claim number has resulted in delays, confusion and additional administrative expenses for the department, injured workers, and medical providers.
The department let the self-insured community know on 1/15/12 about the department’s plans to begin issuing penalties for claim related communication that both:
- Originates from the self-insured employer or their third party administrator
- Does not include the L&I claim number.
In addition to the L&I claim number, the self-insured employer or their representative may chose to also include their assigned claim number.
Reference: WAC 296-15-350(7) Handling of Claims
What elements must a self-insurer have in place to ensure appropriate handling of claims? Every self-insrer must: (7) Include the department’s claim number in all claim-related communications with workers, providers, and the department.
